How To Study Your Bible

2Timothy 2:15 ( KJV ) 15Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ( KJV ) 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Joshua 1:8 ( TMSG ) 8And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed

General Principles of Outlining for Bible StudyWho wrote it? Who said it? Who are the major characters? Who are the people mentioned? To whom is the author speaking? About whom is he speaking?What are the main events? What are the major ideas? What are the major teachings?

What are these people like? What does he talk about the most? What is his purpose in saying

that?When was it written? When did this event take place? When will it happen? When did he say it? When did he do it?Where was this done? Where was this said? Where will it happen?

General Principles of Outlining for Bible Study

Principle 1: Main topics are the central ideas.

Principle 2: Subtopics are the points that explain the main topics.

Principle 3: Sub points are the points that explain the subtopics

Principle 4: Capture the logical flow of the author

Principle 5: Each subdivision mush have at least two points. 

The Bible is one revelation without contradiction

How Do You Cross-Reference Scripture?A cross-reference is a reference to another Scripture that supports, illumines, or amplifies the Scripture you are studying

Step 1: Use a concordance or a study tool that will show you other places where the same Hebrew or Greek word is used.

Step 2: Turn to each of the cross-references and study the context of each cross-reference.

Step 3: When you find a cross-reference that illuminates the Scriptures you are studying, you might want to make not of it in the margin of your Bible next to the appropriate Scripture.

Step 4: Some passages don’t really pertain to the subject you are studying.

How Do You Cross-Reference Scripture continued?

 An Example of the Need to Cross-ReferenceCross-Referencing Other Subjects

when looking in the concordance, make sure that the same number, the same Greek word, is used

in thecross-reference you choose to check.

Character Studies; Learning from the Lives of Others

  Gather all information on character Read and make notes of main truths

Check out extra-biblical referencesCompile your materialApply truth to you own life

Parables are earthly stories that reach heavenly or moral lessons or truths.

Parables amplify or affirm doctrine rather than establish it, because parables are more obscure than clear doctrinal passages.

Step 1: Determine the occasion of the parable.Step 2: Look for the explanation of the meaning of

the parable.Step 3: Identify the central or focal idea of the

parable.

Step 4: Since a parable has one central point of emphasis, you must identify the relevant details and the irrelevant details.

Step 5: Interpret parables in the context of the culture of Bible times rather than the culture of today.

Step 6: Parables should never be the primary or only source for establishing doctrine.

Exegesis- Critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of text

In other words it lifts the meaning that is applicable to your life off the pages